The cricketing world, especially in the subcontinent, is focused on the drama in the Asia Cup, where India’s refusal of the post-match handshake with Pakistan after their Group A match caused a big controversy.

Soon, the attention will turn back to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has been without a president since former all-rounder Roger Binny stepped down three weeks ago.

According to a report on Cricbuzz, the world’s richest cricket board may announce its next set of office-bearers by the end of the month – on 28 September.

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BJP to Be Involved in Picking BCCI President?

The report says 28 September is only a tentative date, not a fixed deadline for announcing Roger Binny’s successor. It also says that talks about the next BCCI president will involve top leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power at the Centre since 2014 with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. The discussions will take place on Saturday, 20 September, at the New Delhi residence of Home Minister Amit Shah. His son, Jay Shah, recently served as BCCI secretary and is now the president of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The dates for filing nominations are 20 (Saturday) and 21 September (Sunday). The elections for office-bearers will then happen on Sunday, 28 September, at BCCI’s Annual General Meeting in Mumbai. According to the Draft Electoral Roll by BCCI electoral officer AK Joti, former India captain and ex-BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly will represent the Cricket Association of Bengal, where he is currently president. Harbhajan Singh, Ganguly’s former teammate, has been nominated by Punjab Cricket Association. Raghuram Bhatt will represent Karnataka State Cricket Association, while Jaydev Shah and Mithun Manhas will represent Saurashtra Cricket Association and Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association, respectively. Veteran administrator Rajeev Shukla, who is currently interim president following Binny’s departure, will represent Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. Also in the fray is Rohan Jaitley, son of the late BJP politician and former Union Minister Arun Jaitley.

Latest whispers in Indian cricket suggest that the BCCI may again choose a former cricketer – a high-profile one – as president, for the third consecutive time after Ganguly (2019-2022) and Binny (2022-2025).

The veteran cricket administrator and former pace bowling all-rounder, Rajeev Shukla, is set to be replaced as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an interim capacity for Roger Binny, as the latter turned 70 this month. The BCCI sources have revealed the news through various media outlets. 

Binny replaced the former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, as the board president of the BCCI in 2022. He turned 70 on July 19, which has now crossed the age limit for an office-bearer of the Indian cricket board. The 65-year-old, Rajeev Shukla, is serving as the vice-president of the BCCI. He has been holding the position since 2022.

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Shukla would be the active chief of the BCCI until the fresh elections take place during the body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. “As per convention, the senior-most office-bearer takes charge in such a scenario. He (Shukla) will perform that role until fresh elections are held in September.” The BCCI source has revealed that they would now have to make vital decisions.

Rajeev Shukla set to become acting BCCI president to replace Roger Binny

The Rajya Sabha MP from the Congress party has previously played the role of the chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Very recently, C.K. Khanna had served as the acting BCCI president from the 2017 season to 2019 during the tenure of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators that governed the board for 33 months.

Binny was the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) before he took charge of the world’s richest cricket board three years ago. The former all-rounder of the side was a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning side under the leadership of Kapil Dev. On the flip side of the coin, he also went on to coach the Under-19 team of the Blue Brigade that won the World Cup 2000 for that group.

The position-holder will be required to make a huge decision on India’s participation against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, which is expected to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The event will begin on September 09 and will be played across two venues- Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still remain as active cricketers in the One Day International format, though they retired from T20Is and Tests. India's next assignment is scheduled in October this year when they will face Australia for a 3-match ODI series. Virat and Rohit, as both of them are active in the format, can be seen against Australia in the series.

Before that, Kohli started his batting practice. According to the latest updates, Kohli has started his training sessions with the bat in London. He has been spotted in the indoor training facilities of the Lord's Cricket Ground. Like before, the batting maestro's dedication for the game still attracted many eyes. The viewers were awestruck to see him facing both pace and spin with the same intensity. 

On the other side, on a podcast show, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla opened up about Sharma and Kohli's farewell match and retirements. Shukla stated that they are still active as cricketers; Virat is in great shape, and Rohit is in form. He advised cricket fans not to think about these two stars' retirement. Shukla further mentioned that BCCI never forced any cricketer to retire. 

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BCCI vice-president opined about farewell 

"When did they retire? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? No need to overthink about it," Rajeev Shukla said.

"Our policy at the BCCI is very clear. We don't tell any player to retire. A player makes that call himself. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it's official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about a farewell?"

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma find themselves at unique crossroads in their careers. After guiding India to the T20 World Cup win last year, both legends announced their retirement from the shortest format. Earlier this year in May, they stepped away from Test cricket too, signaling a major shift in their focus.

The pair now shifts focus to ODIs, gearing up for the challenging Australia series ahead. Fans last saw them in action during the IPL, and although they were expected to feature in the Bangladesh ODIs this month, the cancellation means their return to the Indian jersey will now come in October.

However, discussions about their long-term plans continue to heat up. A report by Dainik Jagran suggested that the Australia series might mark their final appearance for India, casting uncertainty over whether the two stalwarts will feature in the 2027 World Cup.

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Rajeev Shukla Clears the Air Amid Retirement Buzz:

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have resumed training as they prepare for their white-ball return, easing ongoing speculation. Reports suggest the BCCI remains relaxed about their situation and is not rushing to take any decision regarding the duo’s future, allowing the senior batters to focus on their upcoming assignments without additional pressure.

With rumours suggesting that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be playing their last ODI series, the BCCI has dismissed talks of a farewell series. Rajeev Shukla, BCCI’s vice-president, appeared displeased when asked during the ‘Two Sloggers Podcast’ about organizing such an event, firmly clarifying that no such plans are being considered at present.

Rajeev Shukla said, “ When did they retire? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will both play one-dayers. So, if they are playing, why are you worried about a farewell series? Yes, they have retired from two formats in phases, but they are playing in ODIs, right? So please don't get worked up over it.”

What’s next for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

Shri Rajeev Shukla @ShuklaRajiv (Vice President, BCCI; Director, Asian Cricket Council; MP, Rajya Sabha) shares his thoughts in a very special episode of Long Off Lounge.

Now live on YouTube — https://t.co/Z5oxTzCbrL@UPCACricket |… pic.twitter.com/srflE3Bc9M

— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 22, 2025

Rajeev Shukla Also Clears BCCI’s Stance Towards Player’s Retirement:

He emphasized that retirement decisions are personal, with the BCCI never instructing players to step away. According to him, it is a personal choice, and the board respects whatever call a cricketer makes regarding the conclusion of their professional career.

He further said, “ Our policy at BCCI is very clear. We don't tell any player to retire. A player himself makes that call. He has to decide, and we respect that. We can only decide something when it’s official. Virat Kohli is extremely fit, and Rohit Sharma has been playing so well. Why are you worried about the farewell?’

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla highlighted that Virat Kohli remains among the fittest cricketers, while Rohit Sharma continues to excel in ODIs. He requested fans to avoid farewell talks, confirming both stars will play India’s three ODIs in Australia on October 19, 23, and 25 at Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla broke silence about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement. After taking retirements from T20I and Test cricket, cricket fans are curious to know about their very last international matches. Though, Shukla did not wish to entertain these types of speculations circulating around. His logic is clear as crystal; both of them are still active in ODI format and, as cricketers, looking good, so why are we talking about retirement? Mr. Shukla questioned.

Rohit and Virat signed off from the T20I format right after winning the ICC T20I World Cup, and their Test retirements came before the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. A part of cricket fans are to know whether India's upcoming ODI assignment against Australia is going to be these stars' farewell match.

"When did they retire? Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will both still play ODIs, so if they are still playing, then why talk about farewell now? Why are you people worrying already?" Shukla said. There are some claims on social media stating that BCCI has decided to maintain a calm mentality on this matter. The BCCI vice-president claimed that the board never forced anyone to retire. The decision of retirement is completely up to the cricketers. "Our policy is very clear—BCCI never tells any player to retire. He has to make his own decision. He himself has to take this call," he added. 

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Shukla's advise for fans

Shukla further pointed out that Virat Kohli is still fit and Rohit is in good form. He advised fans now to think about their farewells. 

"When that bridge comes, we will tell you how to cross it. You people are already talking about farewells. Kohli is very fit; he is going on. Rohit Sharma is playing very well. And you people are already worried about farewell," Shukla said. 

The former Indian bowler and the current president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Roger Binny, will turn 70 on July 19 in 2025. The former pacer, who was the highest wicket-taker during their title-winning campaign during the 1983 Prudential World Cup, is set to vacate his post as the president from tomorrow due to the BCCI age-gap rule.

On October 18, three years ago, Binny replaced former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly as the new BCCI president. He led the apex cricket board for three years, as the fans now will need to wait till the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).

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The reports have revealed that as Binny vacates the position, Rajeev Shukla will be the leading contender to succeed the 1983 World Cup winner. Notably, Shukla serves as the BCCI vice-president, as the 65-year-old is the new and most likely candidate to replace Binny as the interim president until the elections later in the year. The upcoming AGM in September will make the final decision.

Roger Binny to step down from BCCI president position as this veteran set to replace

Notably, the BCCI has kept an age cap on the officials working within the board. It shows the officials holding any post after turning 70, as the issue was raised and brought to the Supreme Court’s notice in 2016 after recommendations from the Lodha committee. It gives the example of the former president Jagmohan Dalmiya, who was in office till the age of 75.

The guidelines for a person to hold an office in the apex cricket board of India require that they be a citizen of India and haven’t crossed the 70-years age of. It’s vital for the individual not to be declared as insolvent or of unsound mind. He also should not be a minister, government servant, or hold a public office. Apart from cricket, the person should not hold any office or post in the sports or athletic association or federation.

It's also important for the individual not to be an office bearer of the BCCI for a total period of nine years. In Binny’s absence, Rajiv Shukla will need to take care of all the actions in the India-Pakistan tensions for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

The Bombay High Court has upheld the arbitral award directing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pay Rs 538 crore to the now-defunct Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The franchise was terminated by the BCCI in 2011 after playing just one season. The termination came after the team allegedly breached contract terms by failing to submit a required bank guarantee on time.

“The jurisdiction of this Court under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act is very limited. BCCI’s endeavor to delve into the merits of the dispute is in the teeth of the scope of the grounds contained in Section 34 of the Act. BCCI’s dissatisfaction as to the findings rendered in respect of the evidence and/or the merits cannot be a ground to assail the Award,” the court stated in its ruling, rejecting BCCI’s challenge to the arbitral decision.

Back in 2015, an arbitration panel had asked the BCCI to pay Rs 550 crore—including Rs 384 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL) and Rs 153 crore to Rendezvous Sports—after ruling in the franchise's favor. The board later challenged this verdict in court. At the time, then IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla had said, “We have got arbitrator Lahoti’s report. The majority of the members are of the opinion of appealing against the arbitrator’s report. We are seeking legal opinion.”

Kochi Tuskers’ Short-Lived IPL Stint

The franchise, which was bought for a massive Rs 1,550 crore in 2010, defaulted on its annual payment the following year, prompting BCCI to terminate the contract. Kochi Tuskers then pursued legal recourse and ultimately won the case, resulting in the court ordering the BCCI to pay Rs 550 crore in compensation.

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The Kochi Tuskers Kerala played one season in the IPL. They finished eighth out of ten in the points table, winning six of their fourteen league matches. Players such as Brad Hodge, Mahela Jayawardene, Brendon McCullum, and Ravindra Jadeja played for the team in their only season.

In a sensational IPL 2025 game between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 19, 2025, at Ekana Cricket Stadium, a fiery off-field battle between LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi and SRH batter Abhishek Sharma dominated the show. The event was during SRH's run chase of a 206-run target, when Rathi sent Sharma packing after the batter had belted a devastating 59 off 20 balls with six of them being sixes. Rathi’s signature “notebook” celebration, perceived as provocative, sparked a heated verbal exchange, escalating tensions on the field.

The altercation didn’t end there. Post-match, during the handshake, the two players continued their animated exchange, prompting LSG assistant coach Vijay Dahiya to intervene and reportedly slap Sharma to diffuse the situation. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stepped in as a peacemaker, engaging both players in a calm conversation during the presentation ceremony. Shukla's mediation was captured in viral visuals, and his attempts to bring about harmony were appreciated by his fans. The incident, though, did attract much attention, diverting one from SRH's six-wicket win that pushed LSG out of the playoff hunt.

The BCCI reacted quickly, laying down stringent disciplinary actions. Rathi, who committed the third breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during this season, was suspended for one game and fined 50% of his match fee. His prior offences against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians had already earned him five demerit points, triggering the ban. Sharma, facing his first violation, was fined 25% of his match fee. The incident sparked a memefest on social media, with fans poking fun at Rathi’s celebration and Sharma’s fiery retort, reportedly saying, “Choti kaat dunga” (I’ll chop off your hair).

Aftermath and Reactions

The incident clearly became the talk of the town, with former cricketer Suresh Raina criticising the behaviour of both Indian players throughout the commentary which, he says, was not ideal behaviour to set an example of. The various reactions and opinions made on social media were humourously bittersweet, as some people chastised the BCCI for taking heavy handed penalties with bowlers like Rathi, while others lauded Sharma's match-winning innings.

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In due course, despite the incident, both players appeared to have gotten over it - footage showed them chuckling together post-game, showcasing proper sportsmanship. This incident illustrates how emotionally battery the IPL was - and this incident with Shukla also represents how serious the BCCI take proper behaviour in cricket.